PUNE, December 20: The US-based life sciences firm Monsanto Co plans to increase its presence in eastern Maharashtra, according to the company national marketing manager Mark W Wells. Monsanto had so far concentrated only on establishing its presence in the western part of the state.

The company's proprietary product, the non-selective herbicide Roundup is being promoted in the country not because its patent is set to end soon, Wells said. Nor is the aim of Monsanto Enterprises Pvt Ltd, the domestic subsidiary, to get the farmers dependent on the herbicide to promote its patented, integrated seeds, Roundup Ready soyabean and other Roundup Ready products, Wells said.

Monsanto, which has been increasing its presence in the country during the last year, will also seek to increase its presence in Orissa, eastern Uttar Pradesh and Bihar, he said. These areas have a great scope for test growth and the exists a need for fundamental agronomy, he added.

The plant breeding company which has not yet developed seeds in the county, is working with its joint venture partner, Maharashtra Hybrid Seeds Company (MAHYCO) for the development of new insect-tolerant cotton seed varieties and other `appropriate' products.

These could include high yield rice and wheat varieties as well as soya and canola. Its proposed research and development (R&D) centre at Bangalore is expected to go on stream by the middle of 1998.

The centre will initially develop adaptations of existing Monsanto products that would suit domestic conditions. It is later expected to be fully integrated into Monsanto's worldwide research activities. Monsanto has research and development facilities in the US, Japan and Europe.

Monsanto's domestic operations achieved a turnover of Rs 65 crore in 1996 and the firm expects the Rs 95 crore in the current year.

Copyright © 1997 Indian Express Newspapers (Bombay) Ltd.